Mile Jedinak and Trent Sainsbury.
Camera IconMile Jedinak and Trent Sainsbury. Credit: Getty Images

Media Watch: Socceroos ranked worst team at 2018 Russia World Cup

Staff writers with AAPNews Corp Australia

AUSTRALIA’S given the worst power ranking for the World Cup, the selection fight for Russia begins, and what Daniel De Silva has to do to line up for the Socceroos.

It’s all in Socceroos Media Watch!

SOCCEROOS RANKED WORST AT WORLD CUP

Australia took the longest possible route to seal their spot at the 2018 World Cup, and football followers aren’t expecting much from the Socceroos in Russia.

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The Guardian and Bleacher Report have both ranked Australia 32nd out of the 32 qualified nations in their World Cup power rankings.

Sports Illustrated was slightly more favourable to Ange Postecoglou’s side, and ranked the Socceroos 30th - just above Saudi Arabia and Panama.

Ed Aarons wrote in The Guardian: “It is clear manager Ange Postecoglou has some major problems. In particular, finding an alternative match winner to veteran Tim Cahill will be a major priority between now and the opening match in Russia.”

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Sam Tighe wrote in Bleacher Report: “No one will be expecting much of the Socceroos come June. They’re gritty and workmanlike, but the final ball in the final third is likely to let them down too often.”

Jonathan Wilson added in Sports Illustrated: “The big concern must be that the Socceroos haven’t won any of their last nine games outside of Australia.”

PODCAST: Fox Football journalists David Weiner and Kate Cohen jump on Fox Sports Australia’s The Splash podcast for a full rundown of the Socceroos win over Honduras and the journey to Russia.

SELECTION FIGHT STARTS NOW

World Cup qualification is now the only certainty for Australia’s ever-changing squad, who will return to clubs all over the world with the single goal of staying fit and in form.

The carrot is a coveted spot at the 2018 tournament, something uncertain even for Socceroos stalwarts should Ange Postecoglou leave and a new coach be installed.

It was clearly on Tim Cahill’s mind given his public post-match demand for game time at Melbourne City.

Less than a day after getting the job done against over Honduras, mainstay Mark Milligan contemplated the challenge ahead.

“This group of players, while we succeeded in getting to Russia, it doesn’t mean we’ll be going to Russia,” said Milligan, who made his debut appearance at Brazil 2014 but was also in the squad for South Africa 2010 and Germany 2006.

“It is a daily thing now - we need to make sure we all work extremely hard in our club lives to be available at the next window in March, then we’ve got a few months before Russia.”

Australia's Mark Milligan is tackled by Honduras' Brayan Acosta (C) and Johnny Palacois (L).
Camera IconAustralia's Mark Milligan is tackled by Honduras' Brayan Acosta (C) and Johnny Palacois (L). Credit: AFP

DE SILVA WORLD CUP BOLTER?

Central Coast coach Paul Okon says gifted young playmaker Daniel De Silva needs to be consistent if he is to become the next Mariners player to graduate to the Socceroos and become a World Cup bolter.

The Mariners No.10 has been earmarked for stardom since he played his first A-League game for Perth at just 15 years old in 2013.

De Silva, 20, returned to Australia mid-year following a stint at Dutch club Roda JC.

His impressive early-season form has prompted some pundits to nominate him as a potential World Cup selection surprise.

Okon has frequently sung De Silva’s praises this season, but also urges caution given his youth.

“I’ve had a few chats with Daniel, and he knows that if he can be consistent and first and foremost, perform for the Mariners, I think he gives himself an opportunity,” Okon said following the Mariners 2-1 home loss to Adelaide United on Thursday.

Daniel De Silva of the Mariners takes a shot at Adelaide’s goal.
Camera IconDaniel De Silva of the Mariners takes a shot at Adelaide’s goal. Credit: AAP

“There’s some good (Socceroo) players in Daniel’s position, Tom Rogic, James Troisi.

“He’s still only 20 and he’s still improving.

“He’s got to find that consistency and hopefully we can give him the game time to prove to, if it’s (Socceroos coach) Ange (Postecoglou) or whoever else maybe, that he has the ability.

“We’d love to see get him there, but there’s a lot of work to be done in the meantime.”

Originally published as Socceroos rated worst at World Cup